This Sunday, the enormous USS Theodore Roosevelt will be making her way to the Solent.
The 100,000-tonne aircraft carrier will be docking off Gosport for five days, meaning almost 5,000 US sailors will be able to enjoy the delights of Portsmouth. As the carrier will be moored off Stokes Bay in Gosport, it’s possible we may be able to see her from the Island – certainly those travelling across to Portsmouth will.
Accompanying the Theodore Roosevelt will be guided missile destroyer, USS Winston S Churchill.
Boost to local economy
Anticipating the arrival of 5,000 sailors, Cllr Donna Jones, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said,
“I’m really pleased Portsmouth will be hosting one of the largest aircraft carriers in the world.
“It will be a great opportunity for us to increase our understanding of how to receive a giant carrier in the run-up to the arrival of the Royal Navy’s two new aircraft carriers which are the largest ever built for us.
“The fact the carrier is visiting with thousands of sailors on board means a welcome boost to our local economy as they eat here, drink here and visit our attractions.”
Let’s hope some of the sailors are able to make a day trip to the Isle of Wight.
Image: Missy Schmidt under CC BY 2.0
